Asian markets settled mixed on Monday ahead of a crucial US Federal Reserve decision. Traders are now pricing in a 25bps reduction this week amid signs of softer labor conditions and muted inflation, and some potential for reductions extending into next year. The escalating geopolitical concerns in the Middle East were also weighed on Asian market sentiment. Chinese and Hong Kong shares gained as investors bolstered bets on Chinese technology shares amid Sino-US trade talks and ahead of an expected US rate cut this week. The Japanese market was closed today on account of Respect For The Aged Day.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,860.50 | -10.10 | -0.26 |
| Hang Seng | 26,446.56 | 58.4 | 0.22 |
| Jakarta Composite | 7,937.12 | 83.06 | 1.05 |
| KLSE Composite | -- | -- | -- |
| Nikkei 225 | -- | -- | -- |
| Straits Times | 4,338.42 | -5.82 | -0.13 |
| KOSPI Composite | 3,407.31 | 11.77 | 0.35 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 25,357.16 | -117.48 | -0.46 |
